Mercedes Benz Junior Cup: Manchester United 1-1 FC Brügge

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Date: January 05, 2016

Manchester United’s second match saw them face FC Brügge. The Reds had lost their opening match against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim 2 – 1 leaving them bottom of Group B, while FC Brügge had beaten Schalke 04 1-0.

Oliver Byrne replaced George Dorrington between the posts for the second game. FC Brügge started the better of the two teams, with early pressure on Byrne’s goal due to careless possession from some of the outfield players. Byrne produced a nice block with his feet to prevent an early goal.

However, it was United who opened the scoring. Callum Gribbin, who was captaining the squad, chased down the FC Brügge goalkeeper, dispossessed him and finished neatly. FC Brügge did pull a goal back just before the end of the first half.

FC Brügge started the second half brightly, beating Byrne with a shot but being denied by the post. Gomes had a chance for United but missed and the shot from the rebound was also not on target.

The youngsters showed that they were getting used to the unique style of the tournament with Jake Kenyon and Indy Boonen, two of those who began to use the hoardings to angle their passes.

Gribbin had a couple of good chances towards the end of the half but the keeper was on hand to deny him. The game ended 1 – 1 placing United third in Group B.

United’s third and final group game will be against Schalke 04 who are bottom of Group B. Placing in the initial group stage will have a bearing on the teams to be faced in the second stage of the tournament.